Try These Four Favorite Wines With Venison

The editors of Petersen's HUNTING pick their four favorite wines to pair with venison (including one white).

By David Draper

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When picking a perfect wine to go with venison, there are some guidelines worth following. Rich reds, heavy in smoke and spice, work well, as do fruit-forward wines from America's West Coast. Like any rules, however, these are made to be broken, which is why a white wine also makes this list of our current favorite wines for wild game.

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ADELSHEIM WILLAMETTE VALLEY PINOT NOIR 2014 ($32)

Ripe cherries and a hint of spice come together in America's answer to the Burgundy. Just bold enough to complement heartier dishes like a braised shank or classic stew.

MULLAN ROAD CELLARS – RED WINE BLEND 2013 ($42)

Heavy in overripe fruits and touched with a bit of charred wood, this domestic take on an Old World blend pairs perfectly with grilled steaks or smoked roasts from older bucks.

CAKEBREAD CELLARS – SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013 ($30)

Despite the admonition of stuffy sommeliers, it's not sacrilege to skip the reds in favor of a fruity white. Match this one, with notes of melon and apple, with fresh tenderloins served over a bright vegetable saute.

CHATEAU PÃ – RICOU – BORDEAUX 2010 ($13)

Six years from the cask, this classic French red is a little light in body with a dry finish. Be sure to splash a little into the pan as well for a stellar sauce.

Best Whitetail Shot Placement with a Rifle

Craig Boddington breaks down where hunters should aim on a whitetail that provides the best possible margin for error.

Stuffed Elk Backstrap Recipe

Take your venison loin to a whole new level with this delicious reverse-seared stuffed elk backstrap. Smoking the backstrap on a Camp Chef Woodwind pellet grill first, then finishing it on a blazing-hot skillet or flattop, creates a perfectly cooked, medium-rare steak with a crispy, seared exterior. The filling of diced mushrooms and creamy Boursin cheese adds a whole new level of amazing flavors to an otherwise classic smoked venison loin.